Collapsible frame structure for tents



June 16, 1936. J s- 2,044,69

COLLAPSIBLE FRAME STRUCTURE FOR TENTS v Filed May 18, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l J'o/zzz Qflda m 5 june 16, ADAM 2,044,659

' GCLLAPSIBLE FRAME STRUCTURE FOR TENTS Filed May 18, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 =3 V/ Q l A k i 31 gnaw Q'Aidams Patented June 16, 1936 COLLAPSIBLE FRAME STRUCTURE on TENTS John Q. Adams, Columbus, Ohio Application May 18, 1934, Serial No. 726,257

iclaims. (01. 135-4.)

This invention relates toimprovements in collapsible frame structures for tents, awnings or coverings, or othersimilar devices employedfor providing temporary shelter from the elements. 7

In certain of its more specific aspects, the invention provides an improved frame structure for effecting the support of so-called chapel tents, which are used for providing protection during interment proceedings, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a strong and substantial frame structure for devices of this character which embodies a plurality of ,detachably connected frame-forming members, to the end of providing convenience in the erection of the frame structure at or over a given site which may be quickly erected or taken down and to produce a frame structure which, when erected in its set up or operative position, will be strong and durable and. which will conform in every way to the necessary requirements of a temporary shelter means of the character indicated.

For a further understanding of the invention,.

reference is to be had to the following description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the frame structure comprising the present invention 'in its erected or set up position;

Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken through the frame structure. with the fabric tent or covering, comprising the top of the shelter, arranged thereon;

, Fig; 3 is a detail sectional view on the plane indicated by the line III--III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a similar view on the line IVIV of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view on the line V--V of Fig. 2; 7

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view disclosing the extension frame of the apparatus in its operative or extended position;

. Fig. 7 isa detail sectional-view disclosing the extension frame in the position which it occupies when initially connected with or when being removed from the vertical leg post of the frame structure; 7

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical sectional view disclosing one of the adjustable fastening collars for connecting the fabric covering of the apparatus with the side rails;

Fig. 9 is a similar view disclosing the adjust:

ing. collar when position to stretch the fabric covering;

' Fig. 10 is a detail vertical sectional view on the plane indicated by the line X--X of Fig. 2.

Referring more particularly .to the drawings,

dicated by the numeral l0, and the lower ends socketed fittings l2.

' I l and M.

my improved collaps'ible frame structure comprises four vertically disposed tubular corner rails preferably formed from suitable lengths of a light weight metallic alloy. These rails are inthereof, as indicated at II, are provided with ground engaging flanges. The upper ends of the corner rails are detachably connected with tri- The vertical sockets of the fittings l2 receive the upper end of the corner rail l9, While the horizontal sockets thereof, which are spaced relatively 90 apart, receives the outer end of a plurality of side rails I3. These side rails are formed from the samematerial as the corner rail It and are likewise tubular in form, the said side rails being-horizontallydisposed to define the marginal portion of the frame structure. Each side rail consists of a pair of longitudinallyaligned tubular sections, one section of each pair being rigidly secured in one of the horizontal sockets of. each of the fittings [2 while each of the remaining sections are rigidly secured to the horizontally disposed coupling sleeves Thus each section carries either a fitting I2 or a sleeve M or I4. The free ends of the, sections are detachably securedin the empty sockets of the fittings l2 and sleeves l4 and M to complete the horizontal framework. By reason of this construction, horizontal alignment is maintained and at the same time use of frame members of relatively short lengths which can be readily handled is permitted.

' The couplings are preferably provided with tightening screws I5, as are the fittings i2, for the purpose of detachably securing the related frame members in connection with said couplings and fittings. Detachably connected with the couplings M are the outer ends of an intermediate rail member l6, which is also preferably formed in two sections. The inner adjoining and aligned ends of the rail member sections are connected, one rigidly and the other detachably, with a vertical cross-shaped sleeve ll, from which arises a detachable vertical center pole l8, the latter being provided at its upper end with a boss l9 and a stud 2B. The lower end of the center pole is provided with perforations 2! which receives a cross pin 22 by means of which the height of the center pole may be adjusted relative to the sleeve 11.

The stud 2B of the center pole is adapted to be inserted. in an eyelet 23 provided in a fabric canopy or cover 24, preferably of rectangular formation. The outer edges of the canopy are also formed with eyelets for the reception of studlike projections 25 provided in connection with the fittings [2. In addition, the outer edges of the canopy are secured to the frame rails l3 in a firm and taut manner by the provision of rotatable fastening collars 26, which are carried by the rails I3. These collars are each provided with studs 21 arranged to be received Within eyelets provided in the marginal portions of the canopy .24. By reference to- Figs. 8 and 9, it will be observed that by rotating the collars 26, the canopy may be stretched so that it will assume the desired taut condition, and by providing each of the collars 26 with a frictional clamping screw 28, the positions of such collars may be maintained, as well as the stretched condition of the associated canopy.

In order to provide the frame with an exten sion cover on one or more sides thereof, a pair, at least, of the corner rails ID are provided, as shown in Figs. 6 and '7, with vertically adjustable rings or bands 29 which are formed with eyes 30' and with clamping screws 3| to retain their adjusted positions on their associated rails i0. Detachably connected by means of the hooks 32 with the lower of the bands 29 are forwardly and angularly extending rods 33, which have their outer ends formed with studs arranged to be received within eyelets provided in connection with a canopy extension 34, the rear edge of said extension being secured as at 35 'to the fittings I2. Brace rods 36 have their outer ends pivotally connected as at 31 with intermediate portions of the rods 33, while the inner ends of said brace rods are equipped with hooks 38 which are received within eyes provided in connection with the upper of the bands 29.

To attach the extension rods 33 and 3B, the bands 29 are lowered as shown in Fig. *7. The lower band is then tightened and the upper band is elevated to assume the position disclosed in Fig. 6, which constitutes a past center position and prevents the rod hooks from becoming disengaged with the eyes of the band 29. These extensions may be provided on one or more sides of the frame structure.

In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention embodies a frame structure consisting of a plurality of detachable and collapsible frame members which may be erected to assume an extended operative position by a single attendant Without aid of others and, likewise, may be as easily taken down or dismantled. In the erection of the frame structure, the sides and intermediate rails 13 and [6 are first assembled while lying on the ground in rigid operative order. nected with the center post and the latter elevated and retained in its desired position 'by the pin 22. The outer edges of the canopy are then connected with the rotatable fastening collars 2B and the fittings l2 in a manner which will remove slack or looseness from the canopy. Following this, the vertical corner rails are connected with the fittings l2. If the canopy extension is to be used, the rods 33 and 31 are connected with the band 29 and the extension rods adjusted to assume the position disclosed in Fig. 6 which properly stretches "the canopy extension 34 provided in connection therewith. It will be understood that the sides of the frame structure, other than those where the extension 34 "is employed may be enclosed by means of canvas or fabric walls suitably connected with the vertical and side rails Ill and 13 respectively. Such side walls are often-found useful in periods of in- The canopy or cover 24 may then be 'conclement weather. The frame structure is easy to erect and of sturdy design and when collapsed, occupies but a minimum of space.

The raising of the center pole or post stretches the top or canopy of the tent since the outer edges of said top or canopy are connected with the side frame members. The fastening collars, which are rotatably mounted on the side rails, may then be rotated, if desired, to take up local slackness which may be present in the canopy.

What is claim-ed is:

1. In a collapsible tent structure, a plurality of vertical corner posts, tubular side rails detachably connected with the upper ends of said comer posts, a transversely extending cross memher having the outer ends thereof detachably connected with certain of said side rails, a vertical post detachably connected with said cross member, a canopy supported by the upper end of said center post, the marginal edges of said canopy being provided with eyelets, and a plurality of rotatable collars mounted on said side rails and provided with studs receivable within said eyelets, whereby upon the rotation of said collars around said side rails, slackness in the canopy may be removed.

'2. A collapsible frame structure for tents, comprising a plurality of vertical corner posts, ground engaging elements secured to the lower ends of said posts, trisooketed fittings detachably connected with the upper ends of said corner posts, horizontally extending pairs of side rails, one rail of each of said pairs being rigidly secured in certain of the horizontal sockets of said fittings, coupling sleeves rigidly secured to the remaining rails of said pairs, certain of said sleeves being formed with angularly directed sockets, the free ends of said rails being formed for detachable connection with the other horizontal socket of said trisocketed fittings and sleeves respectively, a pair of horizontally and transversely extending intermediate rail members detachably positioned in the angular sockets of said certain sleeves, a vertical cross-shaped sleeve rigidly secured to the free end of one of 454 said intermediate rail members and detachably secured to the other, and a center post slidably positioned in the vertical portion of said crossshaped sleeve.

3. A collapsible tent structure, comprising a zontally extending pairs of side rails, one rail of each of said pairs being rigidly secured in certain of the horizontal sockets of said fittings, coupling sleeves rigidly secured to the remaining rails of said pairs, certain of said sleeves being formed with angularly directed sockets, the free ends of said rails being formed for detachable connection with the other horizontal socket of said trisocketed fittings and sleeves respectively, a pair of horizontally and transversely extending intermediate rail members detachably positioned in the angular sockets of said certain sleeves, a vertical cross-shaped sleeve rigidly secured to the free end of one of said intermediate rail members and detachably secured to the other, a center post slidably positioned in the vertical portion mounted on said side rails, and'provided with studs receivable within said eyelets, whereby upon rotation of said collars around said side rails, slackness in the canopy may be controlled.

4. A collapsible frame structure for tents, comprising a plurality of vertical corner posts hav ing their lower ends formed for engagement with the ground, tri-socketed fittings connected with the upper ends of said posts, said fittings having horizontal sockets, horizontally aligned pairs of side rails having their outer ends detachably positioned in the horizontal sockets, a detachable coupling uniting the adjoining longitudinally aligned inner ends of each pair of rails, a pair of horizontally and transversely aligned intermediate rail members detachably'connected at their adjacent ends by a coupling member and at their outer ends with a pair of said detachable couplings, and a center post having its lower end secured to said coupling member employed in connecting the adjoining ends of the intermediate rail members.

' JOHN Q. ADAMS. 

